A historic centre of art and culture, the department of Vaucluse is constantly consolidating its environment and has become one of the major stakeholders in the animation sector in France. With the help of Loïc Etienne, head of digital and creative economy projects at the Vaucluse Provence Attractivité development agency, Invest-hub explains the region's strategy and the actions implemented to attract project managers.

Vaucluse's reputation in the cultural and creative industries is well known... If the famous “Festival of Avignon” is undoubtedly the pillar of a territory that has managed to combine culture and economic development, Vaucluse has long been appreciated by artists of all kinds, who have found it an ideal place to be creative. Some of the inhabitants of Vaucluse, whether born in the department or adopted by it, such as Pétrarque, Camille Claudel, Félix Charpentier, René Char and Jean Vilar, have contributed to the region's reputation in the field of arts and culture. A tradition that the community aims to preserve. “The cultural and creative industry, as it is called today, is an important sector for the region. With around 5,000 jobs, it is at the centre of the region's historical heritage, while demonstrating its dynamism and creativity”, explains Loïc Etienne, head of the digital and creative economy project at the Vaucluse Provence Attractivité development agency.

Loïc Etienne, head of the digital and creative economy project at the Vaucluse Provence Attractivité development agency

Training future professionals

"For several years now, I have witnessed the pedagogical expertise of Julien Deparis and his team at the university “L'école des Nouvelles Images”. The recognition, by Kristof Serrand, director of animation at Dreamworks SKG, validates the strategy of the region, which has worked hard to develop a high-performance environment in a sector in which France has been, for several years, a leader in the field of animation and computer graphics training. Opened in 2017, L’école des Nouvelles Images is a perfect example of the work done by the territorial collectivity to attract the talents of a rapidly developing sector.  In addition to training some of the best animation professionals, the school contributes to the promotion of the region (and France) by multiplying nominations and victories at some of the world's most famous festivals: SXSW, Siggraph Asia, BAFTA, Oscars...", explains Loïc Etienne.

Vaucluse has developed an environment favourable to the creation of cultural and creative enterprises

Promoting innovation and partnership

This will create a truly valuable environment for the region, which already has other emblematic companies in a fast-growing industry: ESA Games, Game academy... and soon, the Animation Station. Co-producer of the animated film “Sahara”, the production company will be joining the region in the coming weeks. This move has been facilitated by the good relations between the economic development agency and L'Ecole des Nouvelles Images, which will initially accommodate the 2D and 3D animation specialist. “A know-how that goes far beyond the field of animated films and will also include traditional cinema, the video game industry and a whole new range of services stimulated by the possibilities offered by the innovation of virtual and augmented reality”, says Loïc Etienne. In this field, too, the region has a solution. Thanks to the French Tech label, it also has two hubs dedicated to the creative economy, which contributes to the dynamism of the sector and to the emergence of innovative projects adapted to its needs. For Loïc Etienne: “This is about reinforcing the environment and attracting stakeholders who can cover all or a large part of the value chain. It creates partnerships and activates collaborations that make it possible to go faster and, above all, to go further for the benefit of all the stakeholders involved. Our role is to promote these initiatives and give them the necessary conditions to emerge and develop”.

Technology and innovation for a booming sector

A unique living environment

Vaucluse is not only a source of inspiration, but also a great place to live. “An ideal environment to let your creativity fly”, says Loïc, who does not forget to highlight the variety of offers (business incubators, sites for third-party companies, coworking spaces, etc.) of the region, but also the prices, which are much more attractive than in many large cities. Not to mention the measures taken by the region to support start-ups and the development of new innovative companies in the entertainment and other sectors...